i-on magazine | January 2017

WIN A LUXURY SPA DAY Me time at One Spa THE WANDERLUST LIFE People who love travel T2 TRAINSPOTTING ARRIVES Scotland takes centre stage SCOTL A ND’S LIFEST Y LE M AG A ZINE

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FEATURES

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FEATURES

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Contents

Issue 132 / January 2017

REGULARS 12 We can’t wait to…

The i-on team’s must-dos of

the month 14 Win a spa day at One Spa 17 The Lifestyle Edit

Local news in Edinburgh

and Glasgow 98 Bit of a blether with…

Amanda Brown from

Pumpkin Brown

FEATURES 32

52

76

The wanderlust life Four people’s passion for travel Location: Scotland The homeland hits Hollywood Great escapes Winter weekend hideaways

FASHION 40 Winter blooms

Fabulously floral fashion story 48 Fashion news

32

INTERIORS 58 5 ways to win the interior design war 62 How to define your interiors style

HEALTH & BEAUTY

51

67 Skin benefits 70 Tried and tested: Juice Warrior 72 Food for thought

CULTURE 80 82

84

Drake The hot ticket Scotland’s music and cultural scene Books, theatre and art

FOOD & DRINK

52 06

90 Reviews: Dishoom and The

Spanish Butcher 94 Food news

FEATURES

SALE ENDS 31ST JANUARY

Visit our Edinburgh Pop-Up Showroom 17 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6QG 6 Jan - 5 Feb 2017 only

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INTRODUCTION

I-ON THIS MONTH

As we write this, we’re just approaching the end of 2016: a year that history will recall as a bit of a weird one. Bowie, Prince, Victoria Wood… and then Brexit and Trump.

All of which mean that 2017 is more eagerly awaited than most. So at i-on we’re looking ahead. Over the next 12 months expect us to bring you the best places to eat, drink, visit, stay, travel to, live, shop in and generally enjoy. We’ll be working hard to create some unique experiences and events for readers in the coming year and of course we’ll continue to offer amazing prizes in our competitions.

This issue we get inspired by stories from people who have taken travel to another level with some staggering results (p32). We also celebrate the new T2 Trainspotting film that comes out at the end of the month by looking misty eyed

at some other movie locations around Scotland (p52). This month’s competition offers the chance to win a spa day for two at the fabulous One Spa – a prize we very nearly kept for ourselves. See how to enter on page 14. Congratulations also to the winner of our December competition, Matt Miller, who bags the tasting menu at Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles.

We’re also delighted to welcome Emily Murray as our acting editor while Nicky is on maternity leave.

The name behind award-winning blog The Pink House, Emily brings a wealth of experience to the magazine and we look forward to sharing it with you.

And finally, we want to say a genuine thank you for your continuing support of i-on.

We wouldn’t be here without you so keep on reading and we’ll

i-on Christmas party, De

cember 2016

keep bringing you the best bits of life every month, starting on the following pages.

Have a crackin’ 2017.

Jo & Laura

i-on magazine distributes 40,000 copies monthly. Pick up your free copy in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Read online at www.ionmagazine.co.uk.

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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. i-on magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. i-on magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. i-on is a trademark of Treacle Productions. ©Treacle Productions Ltd 2016.

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FEATURES

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CONTRIBUTORS

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BYLINES REHMAT RAYATT The photographer of our Drake profile (p80) is also a filmmaker, specialising in telling human stories wherever she finds them. Find more of her work at www.rehmatrayatt.com Your current read? My Bleeding Punjab by Khushwant Singh. I’m working on a film I shot in Punjab now, it’s always good to get some research in.

Best place for a holiday? Tokyo, Japan.

A photographer’s dream.

SUSIE CORMACK BRUCE Our Glasgow lifestyle editor, Susie, knows everything there is to know about lifestyle, beauty and fashion. Check out what she has to say on the subjects in her new blog, www.sincerelyyourssusie.com and follow her on Instagram at @sincerelyyourssusie Best travel experience? My honeymoon on Palm Island in St Vincent and the Grenadines - it’s a magical place.

Personal plans for 2017? Making time for a few more 6.30am running sessions than I did in 2016.

HOLLIE BROOKS Hollie is co-founder of the award-winning online home and garden boutique and interiors blog MiaFleur.com. She wrote our feature ‘How to define your interiors style’ on page 62.

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions.

Why wait until January?

What did you want to be when you grew up? An actress. My sister and I used to put on plays at family gatherings and charge 50p per ticket.

What is most exciting about 2017?

We’re planning a complete site redesign and rebrand for MiaFleur, to really reflect our style.

Scotland's largest lifestyle magazine Published by Treacle Productions Ltd, Suite 9, 2 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH6 6JA Tel: +44 (0)131 555 4126, Email info@ionmagazine.co.uk, www.ionmagazine.co.uk Directors Laura Cully, Jo Morris, Design Paul Dickson, Editor Nicky Howden, Lifestyle Editor Susie Cormack Bruce, Features Editor Dean Newton, Digital Editorial Manager Rebecca McCosh, Account Director Amy Falconer, Head of Creative Solutions and Brand Development Zoe Schmid, Business Development Manager Amanda Southey, Business Development Executive Eloise Leeson, Traffic and Distribution Manager Becky Conway, Head of Photography Susie Lowe, Contributors Hamish Campbell, Bethany Ferguson, Emily Murray, David Pollock, Ian Tod.

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FEATURES

B R Y C E M

C

K E N Z I E

DESIGN & INTERIORS

RETAIL SHOWROOM

35a DUNDAS STREET, EDINBURGH, EH3 6QQ

www.brycemckenzie.co.uk11

FEATURES

WE CAN’T WAIT TO… The i-on team shares their must-dos this month

1 …book a table at Glasgow In The Sky “I’ve experienced the delights of skyscraper dining in Dubai, so Glasgow’s new eating experience, in which a mobile crane raises your table 100 feet in the air, sounds amazing.” www.eventsinthesky.co.uk.

Emily Murray, Acting Editor …see Wonderland at Edinburgh’s Playhouse “To beat the post-Christmas blues I love to escape reality by watching a really good show. The world premiere of Wonderland at Edinburgh’s Playhouse is perfect.” www.atgtickets.com.

Becky Conway, Traffic and Distribution Manager

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2

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…ditch dry January in style “Dry January? Not for me, especially as I’m getting married this month. Luckily, a new Strawberry Vodka from Arbikie Highland Estate, and the launch of Teasmith, a tea infused gin from the Strathearn distillery in Perthshire, make it New Year, New Booze…”

For more info visit www.arbikie.com and www.teasmithgin.com.

Susie Lowe, Head of Photography

FEATURES

4 …stock up on supercute kids clothes from Scamp & Dude “I’m excited about dressing my daughter in new kids clothes label Scamp & Dude. I love the idea that its superhero-inspired designs and adorable superhero sleep buddies give kids extra confidence when they’re away from their parents.” www.scampanddude.com.

Amanda Southey, Business Development Manager

…live in luxury on the private Isle of Eriska “I can’t think of anything better than bagging a brand new onebedroom lodge with hot tub on beautiful Eriska, the luxury private island two hours north of Glasgow.” Tel: 1631 720371.

Nicky Howden, Editor (on maternity leave)

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6

…catch up with Renton and the crew in T2 Trainspotting

“It’s 20 years since Begbie, Spud, Sick Boy and Renton (dis)graced the big screen in Trainspotting, but the wait is finally over: T2 Trainspotting is released on 27 January. Look out for i-on’s Susie Lowe who stars as an extra… Read our Location Scotland feature on page 52 for more on films.” Rebecca McCosh, Digital Editorial Manager

Gleneagles The luxury hotel picked up Front of House team of the year award at a recent ceremony. Perfect for demanding rock stars Northern beer The owners of Aberdeen-based Fierce Beer have bottled over 80,000 beer bottles by hand since launching their microbrewery last May Kidulting 73 per cent of over 30s in Glasgow admitted they still act like they’re in their teens in a recent poll

BOILING BALTIC Hyyge Hasta la vista, ‘hygge’; there’s a new cosy in town and it goes by the name ‘Lagom’ T in the Park After 23 years the Scottish music festival is taking some time off; there will be no festival this year Sense of direction A survey has revealed that 67 per cent of 18- to 44-year-olds struggle to read a road map

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I-ON PRIZES

WIN

A SPIEZIA ORGANICS TREATMENT FOR TWO PLUS ‘ESCAPE AT ONE’ SPA EXPERIENCE

T

he award-winning One Spa has been described as the finest urban spa in Europe. A beautiful, lightfilled space in the heart of Edinburgh, One Spa offers an uplifting balance of energy, water and heat.

Unwind in the rejuvenating pools and Thermal Suite, indulge in a soothing spa treatment or find your inner strength in the state-of-the-art fitness studios.

PRIZE To celebrate the introduction of the Made for Life by Spiezia Organics treatment range at One Spa, we’re offering all i-on readers the chance to win a luxurious treatment for two people. The ‘Head in Heaven’ treatment

offers slow, rhythmic movements to shoulders, neck and head combined with deeply relaxing facial pressure point massage, plus exfoliation and mask to provide a true sense of well-being. The prize also includes the signature spa experience, ‘Escape at One’; a collection of heat and water treatments, including time in the iconic rooftop Hydropool and light-filled indoor swimming pool.

Definitely one of the finest ways to recharge in 2017.

TO ENTER For a chance to win, visit www.ionmagazine.co.uk by 9am on 24 January 2017. The winner will be notified by email and announced in the February issue of i-on magazine.

For more exclusive prizes subscribe to the i-on weekly newsletter at www.ionmagazine.co.uk.

Terms and conditions: Valid Monday – Thursday only. Subject to availability. No cash alternative. The prize is for two persons, cannot be used by one person on two separate occasions. Entrants must be 16 years or older.

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FEATURES

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FEATURES

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a handpicked selection of the best of life in Edinburgh and Glasgow this month

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Fe a an turi d J ng an ice inte Wa rvie rd ws We law w ith an talk Elp dJ t h oh o V n R ict ob oria ert son Mar tin

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

EDINBURGH EYE ON THE PRIZE If like us you love nothing more than having a nosy around other people’s houses, you were probably hooked on the Channel 4 series, Grand Designs: House of the Year.

Kevin McCloud gave us a peek behind the front doors of 20 architecturally awe-inspiring homes that had made the cut for RIBA’s annual award and finally, last month, the winner was announced. We’re proud as punch that the trophy went to Murphy House… right here in Edinburgh.

ALPLINGS Never heard of them? We’ll give you a clue, they are dumplings from the Alps... Alplings! These tasty bread-based vegetarian dumplings will doubtless be familiar if you’re a regular to Edinburgh’s street markets. Alplings is also the name of a new coffee-restaurant coming at 16 Henderson St, serving tasty mountain food including spaetzle, Alpine dumplings, sacher torte, apfelstrudl and more.

Get more info at www.alplings.co.uk.

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TASTY NEW ARRIVAL Combining Scottish ingredients with a global influence, Taisteal – meaning travel or journey in Gaelic, officially opens on 12 Jan at 1-3 Raeburn Pl (the site of the old Buffalo Grill). Head chef owner, Gordon Craig, trained in some of the UK’s best restaurants, including the 3 Michelin-starred Waterside Inn, The Peat Inn and The Plumed Horse.

Find the menu and info at www.taisteal. co.uk or pop in for two courses for £10 all January (excluding Friday and Saturday nights).

lifestyle_EDINBURGH

AAAND… REST In a recent Profile Financial survey which factored numerous metrics including crime rates, house prices, green spaces and recreation options, Edinburgh and Glasgow joined Birmingham as the top three places in the UK to retire. See the infographic at www.profilefinancial.co.uk/best-places-to-retire.

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS MONTH… Take a little person to the gorgeous Fairy trail at Old Archerfield Wood, starting from the Walled Garden. We all know fairies live at the bottom of the garden and they’re in abundance here. Trying to spot them and their homes puts the fun into a forage in the great outdoors. Magical. www.archerfieldwalledgarden.com.

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

MY STYLE, MY WAY with Janice Wardlaw photo Jim Scott, Smart Arts

If you’ve got a thing for arm candy, Janice Wardlaw is your woman. Here, the owner of the pre-loved luxury handbag boutique Xchange Handbags talks style icons and fashion no-nos.

Xchange Handbags is a not-for-profit shop - what made you decide to donate your proceeds to charity? I’d previously worked for high profile companies with tough targets and 12 hour working days, so starting Xchange Handbags was a massive career change for me. I work shorter hours, meet lovely people and benefit some great causes. That’s real job satisfaction. I donate the profits to small, local charities - that way I get feedback on where the money is spent.

How would you describe your signature style? I love mixing up classic clothes with quirky pieces.

Who is your style icon? Victoria Beckham has fabulous style and looks good in both classic and casual.

What’s your biggest fashion no-no? I will never wear shoes with a high platform or heel. They’re just not elegant to walk in.

Who’s your favourite designer/label? I adore Valentino for its exquisite evening dresses and Chanel for its iconic clothes.

Any wardrobe confessions?

I didn’t own a pair of jeans until a few years ago.

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What are your top tips for choosing the perfect handbag? Keep in mind what outfits you plan to wear it with – this will give you a good starting point in terms of colour and style.

What’s the most unusual thing we’d find in your handbag? I have a small crystal a friend gave me. It’s for health and wellbeing so I always carry it with me.

Available: Frasers, 45 Buchanan Street, Glasgow 0141 221 3880 xt 3102 www.chesterbarrie.co.uk 21

2016 NEFF designer of the year

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Since 2004 Development Direct have delivered Edinburgh’s most unique, beautiful and talked-about kitchens and bathrooms. Our passionate and friendly design team have won multiple accolades including both the UK Kitchen designer of the year and UK Bathroom designer of the year awards. Our inhouse installation teams are renowned for their trouble-free service and flawless finish. Allow our team to create your perfect space.

Visit us at our unique Edinburgh studio and be inspired.

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Photo by Susie Lowe

lifestyle_EDINBURGH

Elph’s

Edinburgh Exhibitions, installations, animations and demonstrations are all in a day’s work for Edinburgh artist, illustrator, painter and animator Elph. Internationally lauded on the street art scene, his distinctive style can be found anywhere from galleries and wall murals to virtual 3D spaces. We caught up with him to find out a bit more.

What are you working on right now? Today, I’m finishing up some artwork for a comic cover and working on a design for a mural.

Have attitudes changed to street art? I think so; people seem a lot more open to it now, maybe because it’s publicised more and folk can relate to it a little easier.

Is there a single piece of work you’re most proud of? I find it hard to pick out one specific piece. But maybe the murals painted in the cycle path tunnels going through Drylaw a few years ago, just because they took so long and we were able to add a lot of detail.

My best Edinburgh places

Where can people see your work? My website is www.akaelph.com but there are more updates on Instagram @elphone.

The Japanese

Garden

Favourite restaurant? Nonna’s Kitchen; my mate Gino runs it and we’ve known each other since we were teenagers, so it’s always good to catch up.

Where in the city do you go for a quick escape?

Cammo Park or the Pentlands are good for a break from the glow of the computer screen.

The city’s best kept secret? The Japanese Garden at Lauriston Castle.

Best place for a date night? Movie at the Cameo and then food at the Blackbird.

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lifestyle_EDINBURGH

Where

has been drinking wine this month…

The antithesis of a dry January is likely to happen if you find your way to a good wine bar, of which Edinburgh has many. Here are three recent additions to the scene for sociable grape lovers.

GOOD BROTHERS Cosy vibes in Stockbridge with great food and properly interesting wines to try or take home. www.goodbrothers.co.uk.

MADE IN EDINBURGH As in made.com is actually in Edinburgh. Yes; the contemporary online interior firm has a pop-up store on 17 Dundas Street from 6 Jan to 5 Feb so if you prefer to see furniture purchases in person before spending, then now’s your chance. View their designs at www.made.com.

STRIP BACK Good Brothers

VEENO A contemporary Rose Street bar with wines straight from the award-winning family vineyard in Sicily. www.theveenocompany.com.

IL CALICE Coffee, wine and cocktails in grand premises at 4 Picardy Place, formerly Clouds and Soil. www.fb.com/ilCaliceEdinburgh.

Designer Waxing has branched out from Glasgow to open its second salon on 130 Lothian Road. They offer hot waxing for women and men – Hollywoods, Brazilians and male intimate waxing; you name it, they do it. Open till 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Tel: 0131 281 9908 or visit www. designerwaxing.com.

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

GLASGOW COOKING THE BOOKS

On the Radar NEW PLACES TO TRY IN 2017

BILSON ELEVEN Glasgow’s Dennistoun as a dining destination? With the opening of Bilson Eleven, we’d have to say yes. It’s the first chefpatron venture from Nick Rietz, (formerly Two Fat Ladies and Michelinstarred Hof van Cleve in Belgium), who, along with wife, Liz, plate up a modern Scottish menu in a beautiful townhouse setting. Eastern promise if ever there was. 10 Annfield Pl, G31 2XQ, Tel: 0141 552 6259.

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ALCHEMILLA The Finnieston strip’s culinary dominance in Glasgow continues with the exceptional Alchemilla. The latest offering from Fergus McVicar (Chinaski’s/Tabac/Berkeley Suite), the concept is small plates that are big on fresh, bold flavours all expertly constructed in the kitchen by former Yotam Ottolenghi protégé Rosie Healey. The food is nothing short of stunning, even earning a 10/10 from critic Joanna Blythman. 1126 Argyle St, G3 8TD, Tel: 0141 337 6060.

2

CHELSEA MARKET Fans of Boardwise lamented its demise but they can now drown their sorrows with a good glass of wine at Chelsea Market, now open at the former snow, skate and surf shop’s premises.

There’s been no expense spared on the interior and, as well as an impressive wine and cocktail list, the modern British menu offers plenty of variety at good value prices. Great for a girls’ lunch or get together with friends. 1146 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8TF, Tel: 0141 339 6909.

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Ever wished you could perfect Gamba’s legendary Fish Soup (known as Foup) at home? Now you can as the recipe features in the restaurant’s chef-patron Derek Marshall’s new cookbook. Showcasing seafood dishes that are perfect for simple suppers as well as special occasions, the book is full of hints and tips on how to get the best out of great ingredients. We especially like the selection of Gamba’s signature cocktails. Gamba – A Seafood Cookbook, £25, from the West George Street restaurant.

lifestyle_GLASGOW

TAKE THREE WINTER READS

FRENCHMAN’S CREEK by Daphne du Maurier “I couldn’t wait for the school bell to signal my escape.

Bored schoolgirl in an unruly class? No, I was ‘Miss’, their English teacher. But I was impatient to get back home to finish Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek, the most unlikely but spellbindingly romantic of books. It’s the tale of an aristocratic lady and an attractive French pirate. What’s not to like?”

DUSTY ANSWER by Rosamond Lehmann “A rainy Sunday afternoon. I was a teenager rifling through bookshelves for something to lose myself in. Dusty Answer was written in 1927, but from the very first paragraph I was mesmerised.

A coming-of-age story, it’s full of love and teenage longing - just as I was. Some things don’t date.”

Catherine Deveney, multi-award-winning journalist, feature writer and novelist, recalls memories of her all-time favourite reads.

LADDER OF YEARS by Ann Tyler “Having just written my first novel about a woman who walks out of her life, the last thing I wanted to hear was that an internationally acclaimed writer written on the same subject. I read Ladder of Years with bated breath – and loved it. The treatment of the subject was entirely different. I learned a lot from that.”

Catherine’s latest novel, The Chrysalis, £8.99, is published by Old Street Publishing and available now.

GOOD RELATIONS For a cultural start to 2017 you best book your seat to Scottish Ballet’s lovely retelling of Hansel & Gretel. Choreographed by Christopher Hampson, the ballet features a stunning score, lollipop laden sets and a gentle, mischievous humour to amuse all the family. An absolute sweet treat. Theatre Royal, 05-14 January 2017. For more details and to book visit www.scottishballet.co.uk.

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

midnight or 1am; I’m not ready to call it a night at that point but I feel about 100 years old in clubs nowadays.

Victoria Martin’s

Glasgow

What’s your favourite area of Glasgow?

The West End. I still feel like a tourist there but I’m completely at home too.

The best places in Glasgow

Photo by Susie Lowe

Glasgow girl Victoria Martin is the creator of The Lifestyle Lab, a laidback and stylish venue on Hope Street where she runs styling workshops and clients can hire the space for meetings, workshops, training and events. “The Lifestyle Lab bridges the gap between highend boutique style venues and lifeless meeting rooms. It’s an affordable spot for companies to take meetings off-site and encourage them to think ‘outside the boardroom’.” Here she tells us about the city she calls home.

Any favourite places to shop?

Glasgow is an amazing place to shop because of the mix of high street and designer. I’m also the stylist and personal shopper for intu Braehead and it’s perfect for a quick retail hit.

What would make the city a stronger attraction? I’m still not over the disappointment that the plans for Selfridges in The Merchant City didn’t materialise; I’d love to see a high end department store with an amazing rooftop restaurant, like Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh.

Kelvingrove Café For coffee Gordon St Coffee For cocktails Dakota Deluxe

Where would you take visitors to show them the real Glasgow? Princes Square. It’s beautiful and it’s the best place to people watch on a Saturday.

What’s your restaurant recommendation?

I’m a huge fan of Hutcheson’s and The Butchershop, so I’m excited to try their latest venture, The Spanish Butcher.

(Read i-on’s lunch review on page 93.)

What do you think of the city’s bar scene?

Personally, I’d love more laidback, late night bars like Moskito. So many close at

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Lunch with friends Halloumi Cheap eats Ichiban Friday night out Kelvingrove Café Pamper session Blythswood Square Spa Sunday brunch Cote Brasserie

uare

Princes Sq

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lifestyle_GLASGOW

THE WRITE STUFF with John Robertson

In our quest to get to know the names behind Scotland’s top blogs, we talk with John Robertson, editor and creator of The Everyday Man, the blog that became his full-time job in 2014.

What’s the blog about? The Everyday Man is more of an online men’s magazine covering a broad range of lifestyle topics like fashion, fitness and travel. Ultimately enjoy sharing the things I like to eat, wear and watch.

How many times a week do you post? Ideally daily, but at least three or four times a week.

I travel around quite a bit so keeping on top of the writing can be a bit of a challenge.

Glasgow photographer called Jonathan Sword. I found him on Instagram and really liked his style so we now regularly work together on projects.

Do you do your own photography? I take most of the product shots myself but for fashion or lifestyle images I work with a really good

What do you find most challenging about blogging? I find managing my time the hardest part. Like anyone who works alone or for themselves, you have to become a bit of a Jack of all trades and be prepared to put in a serious amount of hours. The rewards are good though, so it’s important to keep that in mind.

ULTIMATELY I ENJOY SHARING THE THINGS I LIKE TO EAT, WEAR AND WATCH

Are ‘numbers’ important to you? Stats are important as that’s what advertisers look at when deciding if you’re a ‘good fit’ but I’m more interested in producing strong content. I think if I get that right, the numbers will follow.

Which blogs do you read? I used to read a lot more than I do now as I had more time on my hands. My current favourites are probably bucketandspadesblog.com, lucieloves.co.uk and fashionbeans; it was the first blog I started following.

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FEATURES

THE

WANDERLUST LIFE

For most, it’s a bit of bi-annual escapism and recuperation. But at the other end of the scale there’s those who’ve fully succumbed to the power of wanderlust, for whom travel is a constant itch that must be scratched. It’s called dromomania – the uncontrollable urge to wander; we’ve hand-picked four people with this uncontainable drive, a disparate bunch with only a well-stamped passport and a bounty of anecdotes in common. words Dean Newton

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FEATURES

The Hand Holders.

Murad and Natalia Osmann are the creators of the #FollowMeTo photos, video guides and website. You know – the gorgeous couple whose hand-holding travel photos went spectacularly viral, inspiring exploration across the world.

How did the project start? In Barcelona, during our first trip together, Murad took a random shot and I tried to distract him by pulling him by the arm. We liked the idea of the picture and posted it with the hashtag #FollowMeTo on Instagram.

You seemed to blow up almost overnight? Friends and relatives were our only fans for the first year; it was our favourite hobby. Someone wrote about the project on Reddit and it began to gain popularity, then The Daily Mail and The Sun wrote about us on their front pages and we started collaborations with Google, Michael Kors and other big brands.

There was a huge viral effect.

What’s been your favourite place to visit? India - our place of power. We’ve been there many times but, every visit, we enjoy it in a new way. During our last trip we dressed up for a traditional Indian wedding. Our most viral photo was there too, at the Taj Mahal. We arrived at 4 am hoping to get a picture with nobody else in it, but there was already a crowd of tourists. While we took a picture, our friends kept people out of frame so that we could shoot the building without crowds.

Have you had any scary experiences? The picture from a helicopter over Los Angeles.

Our mission was to lean out of the helicopter right above the Hollywood sign with the helicopter doors open and our seatbelts loosened. It was really dangerous, NOT cool.

Top three travel tips? Wake up early so you have time to see everything. Meet the locals; they’re the most valuable source of knowledge. Travel with loved ones, then nothing will disappoint you.

See more about the project and find the social media channels at www.followmeto.travel.

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FEATURES

INDIA AND TURKEY ARE PROBABLY THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PLACES I’VE VISITED, THEY HAVE THE MOST INCREDIBLE ENERGY AND BUZZ THAT I’VE EXPERIENCED.

The Nomad Barber.

You went to the Calais jungle, how was that?

People were very receptive to us and lots of hair was cut, although we didn’t film it all.

The experience was overwhelming but overall it was amazing.

Miguel Gutierrez is a barber, filmmaker and photographer with a passion for travelling.

Combine them all and you get a web series on YouTube which documents the barbering trade around the world.

What came first, the barbershops or travel blogging? I opened my barbershops after coming back from my first trip; this created a brand people knew they could trust, and business keeps getting busier.

What have been the most memorable moments and places? Probably hanging out with a Nepalese barber called Suresh, in Pokhara.

We really got to know him well, hung out at his house and ate with him. India and Turkey are probably the most influential places I’ve visited; they have the most incredible energy and buzz.

Had any sketchy experiences on your travels?

We somehow ended up at a guesthouse in Kathmandu where a MacBook was stolen.

The guys in the guesthouse paid for our flight to be changed so we could stay and find the kids who stole it. It turned out they were local gangsters; we got an insight into their crazy lives over the next few days.

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What’s been your most liked video? Baba the Cosmic Barber; it’s been reposted and gone viral so many times now. He must be seen to be believed.

Top three travel tips? Pack light, smile and plan, plan, plan.

What’s next for the Nomad Barber? We’re launching a product range in 2017 and are currently planning more trips.

Find out more and watch the web series at www.nomadbarber.com.

Looking for luxury at an affordable price?

Tailor-made holidays and city breaks A range of family and adult-only four and five star hotels Choose from destinations worldwide

To book your Classic Collection Holiday, contact local travel specialist Jimmy Martin Travel: Call 0131 343 1800 Online jimmymartintravel.com Visit 94 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

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FEATURES

In with the new.

January is a time for new beginnings – and where better to feel fabulous in 2017 than the uniquely tranquil One Spa? Join us in January and not only will you get two months free, but we’ll also give you three extra guest passes.

Now there are no excuses! onespa.com/memberships

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FEATURES

The Wayfarer.

Angela Maxwell is walking around the world, that’s the long and short of it. There’s little more than a loose itinerary, a tent, $2,000, occasional donations and some basic supplies.

On 02 May 2014, she set off from Oregon to England via Australia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Georgia, Turkey, Sardinia, Sicily and Scotland, and she’s still going.

What made you want to do this? I heard about a man walking around the world. I immediately thought, “what an amazing and crazy thing to do. I wonder if a woman has done it?” I gave myself nine months to plan and began. What I didn’t know was that every mapped-out plan I had would ultimately be tossed and I’d learn to follow my instincts and make my own maps.

Where do you sleep? I have two rules that I learned from a bushman in Australia: when I’m in the wild, to set up camp in a hidden and inconspicuous place, hiding all my tracks. Or if I must camp near a village, to be highly visible to everyone so I can reach help if needed.

Have strangers been supportive? The offer of a warm meal during a rainstorm or a hot shower after a month without one goes further than one could imagine. Even in Mongolia, in the vastness of solitude, a nomadic woman offered me warm yak milk and her floor to sleep on.

WHAT I DIDN’T KNOW IS THAT EVERY MAPPED OUT PLAN I HAD WOULD ULTIMATELY BE TOSSED AND I’D LEARN TO FOLLOW MY INSTINCTS AND MAKE MY OWN MAPS

What did you make of the Scottish section of your walk? The Cairngorms National Park enveloped my heart and was like a scene from the Mists of Avalon. I also fell in love with Edinburgh.

Have you ever felt like quitting? Never. I’ve had times that I’ve cursed the wind, kicked my cart, and cried helplessly in the middle of the desert. But not once have I thought of giving it up or quitting.

Angela Maxwell shares her photos and short stories on her blog, www.shewalkstheearth.com.

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FEATURES

The Adventure Photographer.

Graham Niven from Edinburgh has just been shortlisted for the global contests Travel Photographer of The Year and Outdoor Photographer of The Year 2016.

How has travel influenced your life? Much of my travel and photography has been through my work in humanitarian/development aid, which has given me a great deal of perspective. To travel for pleasure is a great privilege; not just to have the means to do so, but also the freedom.

What’s the appeal? Largely, it’s wonder and curiosity that leads you around the next corner. I’ve been fortunate to visit a variety of places, often remote and wild, to meet and connect with some incredible people and their lives. I’ve seen extraordinary landscapes and amazing natural wonders.

How did you get into travel photography?

My camera’s always been with me; it’s not just a tool for observation and documenting

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during fieldwork, but also for capturing a glimpse of life in places very different to those we know.

Where is your favourite place in Scotland to photograph? The more I see, the luckier I feel to call Scotland home. It might rain now and then, but this gives us the lush greenery. We enjoy extraordinary light and landscapes, and the opportunity for adventure is never far away. There are some pretty excellent people here too. As for a favourite photo spot, Loch Garten is special to me; it seems more serene with each visit.

Check out his work at www.nivenphotography.com.

Check out the full length interviews and galleries online at www.ionmagazine.co.uk/wanderlust.

NEW EDINBURGH STORE NOW OPEN Book your FREE Interior Designer at boconcept.co.uk

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FEATURES

iw nter blooms photographer Hamish Campbell Photography, www.hcampbellphotography.com; stylist Ian Tod; photographer assistant Beech; hair Alison Stewart at Alison Stewart Hairdressing; makeup Stacey Whittaker, www.staceywhittaker.com; model Rebecca Voy at Colours Agency, www.coloursagency.com; location Studio 128, www.studio128.co.uk; flowers Pyrus, www.pyrusbotanicals.com.

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FASHION

OPPOSITE PAGE Ribbed roll neck jumper, £40, Max Studio, www.maxstudio. co.uk. Ariel floral print top, £89, Fenn Wright Manson, www.fennwrightmanson.com.

Viewpine floral trousers, £309, Theory at Jane Davidson, www.janedavidson.co.uk.

THIS PAGE MOTO dark blue embroidered jeans, £58, Topshop, www. topshop.com. Wild meadow skater dress, £39, Warehouse, www.warehouse.co.uk. Green shawl collar coat, £169, Kin by John Lewis, www.johnlewis. com. Ashton black boots, £79, Topshop, www.topshop.com.

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Blossom floral embroidered black boots, £42, Topshop, www.topshop.com. Catrin navy floral print dress, £109, East, www.east.co.uk. Brown gilet knit, £150, Jaeger, www.jaeger.co.uk. Vintage floral blouse, £69, Somerset by Alice Temperley, www.temperleylondon.com.

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Freedom floral hairclips, £14, Topshop, www.topshop.com. Floral jumper, £110, French Connection, www.frenchconnection.com.

Rose-marie jacquard dress, £149, Coast, www.coast-stores.com.

FEATURES

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FASHION

Zest green floral dress, £159, Hobbs, www.hobbs.co.uk. Printed top, £59, Coast, www.coast-stores.com.

Loxley moss green cardigan, £55, Fat Face, www.fatface.com.

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FASHION

Ashton black boots, £79, Topshop, www.topshop. com. Skinny rib rollneck, £39, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com.

Dahlia print long shirt dress £99, Somerset by Alice Temperley, www. temperleylondon.com.

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Ash pearly petals skirt, £199, Ted Baker, www.tedbaker.com. Soft marl snood, £30, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com.

Archive print rose shirt, £85, Modern Rarity, www.johnlewis.com.

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FEATURES

40% OFF ALL COLOURING in February along with a Cut & Style. Let a Cheynes colour specialist design a colour perfect for you.

www.cheyneshairdressing.com

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FASHION

Round lens sunglasses, Topman SS17, £12 at www.topman.com.

Tan bomber jacket, River Island SS17, £55 at www.riverisland.com.

MEN’S FASHION FIX

Patch Technical pullover, Topman SS17, £30 at www.topman.com.

Block stripe sneaker, Valentino, £405 at www.harveynichols.com.

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Modern Essentials casual trousers, David Beckham for H&M, www.hm.com.

Tangente 33 Glasboden watch, Nomos, £1,480 at www.hamiltonandinches.com.

SAVE YOUR PENNIES BY MIXING DIRECTIONAL HIGH STREET PIECES WITH DESIGNER MAINSTAYS TO STAY SEASONAL WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK.

Vintage Soren bag, Matt & Nat, £125 at www.padlifestyle.com.

FEATURES

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READER EVENT

sale

POP UP FASHION

F

ashion with a conscience, boutique shopping and a night out with the girls: check, check and check. i-on has partnered with Edinburgh based charity Smart Works and Lulu to host an amazing pop up fashion event for one night only, offering the perfect opportunity to shop and be stylish whilst supporting a great charity.

Smart Works provides interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to women in need. It gives them the confidence, self-belief and practical tools required to succeed at interview and start a new chapter of their life.

THE EVENT It’s your chance to shop previous seasons’ collections at substantially discounted prices from Edinburgh’s best fashion retailers. Fifty per cent of all takings on the night will go directly to Smart Works.

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Enjoy a drink and delicious canapés while you browse or take a retail break with a cocktail making class, makeover from Bobbi Brown, hairstyling from Cheynes, expert brow tips from Zen Lifestyle and nail advice from Nails Inc. If you want to make a night of it, head upstairs to Tigerlily for twenty percent off drinks.

WHERE AND WHEN Wednesday 22 February 2017 6-9pm Lulu, 125b George St, EH2 4JN Tickets are £15 and include a welcome glass of Whispering Angel rosé and canapés plus a donation to the charity. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.ionmagazine.co.uk.

FASHION

SIMPLE PLEASURES The simplicity of this multi-loop ring from Jaeger makes it look way more expensive than its £25 price tag. www.jaeger.com.

KEEP THIS UP YOUR SLEEVE… If you’ve packed away your trumpet sleeves, unpack.

The statement sleeve is still a big trend for 2017 as this embellished jacket, £65, from River Island’s spring collection demonstrates beautifully. www.riverisland.com.

SINGING THE BLUES We love the Kendal clutch bag from Dune. It’s particularly perfect for adding a bit of polish to a double denim dressing day. Yours for £32. www.dunelondon.com.

FUR GOODNESS SAKE Love them or loath them, the fur loafer is a talking point and, thankfully, this Dandy style from Office, £62, talks a much friendlier price tag than the original £600+ Princeton style from Gucci. www.office.co.uk.

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FEATURES

LOCATION: SCOTLAND A flick stop tour of the homeland words Dean Newton

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T

he camera pans across a dusky misted heath in Glencoe as a line of sinister-looking invaders advance upon James Bond’s abandoned family home, Skyfall Lodge.

The assault continues inside and Albert Finney’s trusty groundsman character, Kincade, takes aim and blasts at the intruders, “Welcome to Scotland.”

End scene. That’s called a ‘button’ by the way, one of those sharp and witty bits of dialogue that closes off the scene.

The house they blew up in Skyfall was recreated on a film set in Surrey, with the mountains added digitally - there’s no doubt a bit of red tape involved with blowing up old castles. But that iconic scene with Bond and M looking over the valley with the old Aston Martin (pictured)? That’s all Scotland. If you’d like to recreate the scene, head up the A82 towards Buachaille Etive Mor. Indeed there has been a raft of 007 scenes shot around the country over the years, Eilean Donan Castle being one of them when it was turned into an MI6 base for Brosnan’s Bond in The World is Not Enough.

Head just 30 miles further south and you’ll find yourself on the way to JK Rowling’s world of wizardry aboard the Hogwarts Express. While there have been many scenes filmed in Scotland, few are more memorable than watching the steam train chug over the Glenfinnan viaduct (pictured) en route to Hogsmeade and the magical school. It’s a journey that can be easily enjoyed along what’s widely regarded as one of the greatest rail routes in the world, in the Jacobite steam train that takes you from Fort William to Mallaig.

Most recently, the phizz-whizzing, whizzpopping world of Roald Dahl was brought to life in the movie version of The BFG. Oscarwinner actor Mark Rylance portrays the Big Friendly Giant as he bounds across landscapes in Skye (pictured) including the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, the Cuillins and the Shiant Islands, while an aerial unit filmed at

Buachaille Etive Mor

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Quiraing, Isle of Skye

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Prometheus filmed scenes at the Old Man of Storr, a large pinnacle of rock on the Isle of Skye

the Old Man of Hoy on Orkney. A section of the A1 at Haddington also makes an unlikely appearance for a Hollywood blockbuster.

And remember the time Glasgow was in the US? Overrun by Zombies? No? You’ve not seen World War Z then. The movie transformed George Square and the City Chambers into a busy Philadelphia street (pictured) for the moment a deadly zombie virus spreads like wildfire through the crowds-chaos, explosions, violence and Brad Pitt ensue.

Tax exemptions, or the lack thereof, made it more financially viable to shoot the scenes in the UK than the US. From zombies to aliens and part of the Alien saga made famous by Sigourney Weaver.

Prometheus follows a band of explorers and archaeologists searching for the keys to mankind’s origins. Where better to start the hunt than the Old Man of Storr (pictured) on the Isle of Skye, and Glencoe provides the perfect spot to land a spaceship.

Batman’s Gotham universe has even found reason to shoot scenes in Scotland, albeit portrayed as the outskirts. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises has exhilarating

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World War Z at George Square, Glasgow

FEATURES

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FEATURES

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FEATURES

FUN FACT The Crossland bar on Queen Margaret Drive from the famous Begbie pint throwing scene in Trainspotting has had a hipster makeover and is now the Kelbourne Saint.

opening scenes where we’re introduced to Tom Hardy’s villain character, Bane, featuring a hijacked aircraft over the Highlands around the Cairngorms.

So what’s next for the Scottish silver screen? The now drug free anti-hero Mark Renton and ‘friends’ return for the Trainspotting sequel, T2:Trainspotting, catching up with the gang 20 years later. The first film, although based in Edinburgh, was shot mostly in Glasgow, with exception of the infamous opening scenes along Princes Street and Calton Road. However, the follow-up keeps things a bit more authentic, with scenes set on the relevant locations in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We’ll find out on 27 January if Renton still thinks “it’s s***e being Scottish”.

Based on the evidence, we’d disagree. www.scotlandthemovie.com www.visitscotland.com www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

Bane takes to the skies over the Highlands in The Dark Knight Rises

IMAGE C REDITS Skyfall © Danjaq, S. A. Harry Stone an Potter an d Harry Po d the Phi tter and Bros. BFG losopher the Half©. Promet ’s Blood Pr heus © Tw Z © Jim M ince © W entieth C arner cDougall. entury Fo T2 Trains Dark Kni x. World potting © ght Rises War TriStar P © Warne ictures. Th r Bros / Le e gendary Pictures.

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INTERIORS

5

WAYS TO WIN THE INTERIOR DESIGN WAR

Emily Murray reveals how to decorate your way in 2017

A

dreary new year is a great time to bring new life into your home. However, if your partner is anything like mine (likes beige walls; thinks tables shouldn’t look like flamingos), you might find they’re not quite so keen on your more colourful interior ideas. Luckily, I’ve developed ways of convincing my other half to let me do nearly anything when it comes to interior design. Here, I share with you my top tips on winning the interior war.

REBRAND YOUR PLANS If you want to paint the hallway pink, whatever you do don't say: “I want to paint the hallway pink.” Unless your husband/partner is a hipster or doesn't care what you do with your home (in which case this feature isn't for you), I can pretty much guarantee the answer will be: “Are you having a laugh?”. Instead, choose the exact shade of pink (or turquoise, or gold, or whatever) you're after, and give the colour its 'proper' brand name. For example, in our hallway I thought Farrow & Ball's dark pink 'Setting Plaster' might work well, and pitched it as such, with no mention of pink at all. Plaster has a nice DIY, manly feel to it, and I stressed that it

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La Voliere bird cage lamp, photo by Susie Lowe

INTERIORS

was a “rich, warm colour” that would “go well with the damson carpet.” Funnily enough, my husband had no objections.

EXPLOIT THEIR LAZY SIDE This trick works best on partners who are too busy to spend any time doing up the house.

However, it does require a bit of patience.

Say you are redecorating your bedroom, but can't get him to agree to your carefully thought-out plans (best if you can show him mood boards or at least a Pinterest board to demonstrate how much effort you've put in). Instead of getting frustrated, sweetly ask him to pull together his own Pinterest/mood board to show how he would like the room to look. Leave it a week, then ask to see it. It's highly unlikely he'll have done anything at all; you are now in a much stronger bargaining position.

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Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster

I’VE DEVELOPED WAYS OF CONVINCING MY OTHER HALF TO LET ME DO NEARLY ANYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO INTERIOR DESIGN USE SUBLIMINAL ADVERTISING Introduce the ‘wacky’ idea (in my case, the perspex Philippe Starck for Kartell Louis Ghost chairs) as early as possible. Expect flat-out rejection at first as he struggles to deal with the new concept. Then, over the following few weeks, casually leave magazines lying around showing stunning rooms featuring the chairs. Next, locate the item in a cool bar or stylish friend's house, and hang out there. You might casually say: “Oh, aren't those the chairs I liked?” Use past tense so he doesn't feel pressurised.

After a month or two of this subliminal advertising the item will literally seem

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Photo by Susie Lowe

INTERIORS

part of the furniture, and will have been shown off in its best light, without pressure to buy. This tip is so effective you may even find he suggests buying the item himself, thinking it was his idea (this actually happened with the Ghost chairs).

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APPEAR TO COMPROMISE This is about knowing his interior hates (which ideally are your interior loves), and making a showy 'sacrifice'. For example, I know my husband hates cushions, seeing them as unnecessary clutter (he's a minimalist at heart - it's a wonder we ever got together), whereas I have something approaching a cushion fetish. It's an ongoing battle. So when I set my heart on a deeply fabulous blue-and-pink velvet armchair, knowing the husband would resist, I came out with: “This gorgeous armchair would look even more amazing with these (show picture of outlandish cushions), but I know you hate clutter so I'd be willing to sacrifice those *sad smile*”. The armchair (and the cushions) has been a fixture in our home for a year now. In fact, we have two of them.

TIME IT RIGHT As in any relationship, timing is everything.

Which is why I waited until my birthday before telling him about the enormous scrape down the side of the car. Same goes for those important interiors ideas. Our La Voliere bird cage lamp, for example, was agreed to after he’d just returned from a week long work trip to the US, leaving me with the kids and a stinking

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cold. As he put it, buying this ridiculous, fake-birdcovered lamp was the least he could do. So I suggested he ease his guilt by popping out for some chocolate and Champagne.

For more interior inspiration visit The Pink House, www.pinkhouse.co.uk.

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INTERIORS

HOW TO DEFINE YOUR INTERIORS STYLE

Floral cabinet, round chair, flamingo print, zebra vases all MiaFleur.com

By Hollie Brooks, co-owner of award-winning online interiors boutique and blog MiaFleur.com.

I

don’t like beige. Minimalism isn’t really my thing either – I find it cold and depressing.

Instead, I love colour, quirk, frivolity, and a bit of plain old-fashioned eccentricity.

But that’s what makes me smile – what about you?

Perhaps you love minimalism. Or beige. Or both. Great! Because you know what? It really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

Yes, experts can tell you what’s on trend at the moment, or what ‘goes’ with what. But if your home doesn’t feel like ‘you’, you’re not going to love it.

If you know what makes you smile, fill your house with it – be it bright colours, geometric patterns, or even empty surfaces. Learn to recognise what you like.

How? Here are my tips on finding your personal interiors style:

ASSESS YOUR HOME Start with your own home: look around you. What do you love? Write a list. What are you not so keen on? Write a list.

Your lists will help you gradually phase out those ‘not-so-keenon’ items, and replace them with things that make you smile.

TAKE NOTE Keep your style eye open and make note of things you love as soon as they crop up – you’ll forget otherwise. I like to use the notes section of my phone as it’s always close to hand.

TEST YOUR TURN-OFFS Part of defining your style is knowing what you really dislike.

So next time you find yourself in a room you hate, ask yourself why you hate it. Chances are that what you love is the exact opposite.

Table, brass magazine stand, zebra vases all MiaFleur.com

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BUILD A BOARD Starting building a Pinterest moodboard using your ‘interior love list’ notes, and the opposites to your interior hates as search terms. Call it ‘My Style’ and, if it helps you to pin more freely, make the board secret – as I said; it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!

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INTERIORS

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I-ON INTERIORS

Tropical BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE BUT INDOORS IS TOTALLY TROPICAL. LAST YEAR’S TREND FOR PALMS, PINEAPPLES AND PINK FLAMINGOS IS STILL HOT, HOT, HOT FOR 2017.

Fresco Flamingo wallpaper at Wilkinson, £10 per roll.

Fig, vanilla & cacoa candle, £25, www.saramiller.london.

Pineapple hook at Primark Home, £4.

Kissen Jungle Boogie cushion at Design 300, £42.90.

“Be a flamingo” framed art from £55, artrookie.co.uk.

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BEAUTY

SUSIE CORMACK BRUCE EXPLAINS WHY BODY BRUSHING IS A COST EFFECTIVE WAY OF KEEPING YOUR SKIN LOOKING TIP-TOP AS THE TEMPERATURE DROPS.

skin benefits At this time of year it’s tempting to hide pasty appendages under long-sleeved knits and opaque tights. But, thanks to body brushing, those neglected limbs can now be liberated.

Dry skin brushing naturally exfoliates the skin by brushing away dead cells to reveal healthy new skin under those ashy-looking patches.

It also gives your skin a brisk wake-up call by boosting circulation and lessening the appearance of cellulite – something you’re sure to be thankful of come summer.

Start brushing at the soles of the feet then, using long, sweeping strokes, work up towards the heart, putting extra effort into the tummy and thigh areas, and brush all the way to the chest. I stop at the neck as I like to use a facial exfoliator there but that’s purely a personal choice. Initially, body brushing isn’t the most comfortable thing to do and it does take a few goes to find your rhythm and preferred pressure but. However, with a bit of practice and perseverance, you’ll become

Liz Earle natural bristle body brush

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BEAUTY

addicted to the energising tingle and noproduct-required softness of your skin.

You’ll find good quality skin brushes at Boots and The Body Shop but for ease of use and great value, the Liz Earle Natural Active’s natural bristle body brush, £8.50, has a detachable long handle to help access hardto-reach places like the back and shoulder blades, and a hand strap to secure the brush when needing more control. Just remember not to wet the brush or your skin. The brush must be used dry and three to four times a week for the full benefit.

If body brushing isn’t for you, Scottish skincare company ishga does a Hebridean Sea Salt & Oil Scrub, £15. Packed with unrefined Hebridean salt - which retains over 60 naturally occurring trace elements including potassium, magnesium and zinc – it delivers velvet skin and smells amazing.

So rich is the oil content that no moisturiser after showering is required but the range offers an equally delicious Invigorating Body Lotion, £35, should your skin be especially thirsty. Alternatively, you could add a couple of drops of body oil to your usual body moisturiser. Garnier’s Ultimate Beauty Oil is a great budget buy at £5.25 from Superdrug, or opt for the cult multi-tasking Nuxe dry oil, £17 at Boots, which can give a little added insulation to your body, face and hair. Winter proofing in a bottle? Not quite but, just as in winter dressing, that extra layer does help when facing the elements.

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Three great alternatives to body brushing Garnier’s Ultimate Beauty Oil, £5.25, is a sound budget buy.

ishga’s Hebridean Sea Salt & Oil Scrub, £15.

Nuxe dry oil, £17.

SPONSORED FEATURE

THE WELLBEING EVENT FIND OUT EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT AESTHETIC MEDICINE AND MORE

A

geing is a fact of life but how you choose to age is up to you. Healthy living and exercise are at the top of the to do list and increasingly, people are choosing aesthetic and anti-ageing treatments too.

However, with so much conflicting advice, the media horror stories and a plethora of skin care products on the market, it’s difficult to know who to trust.

Two of Edinburgh’s most experienced cosmetic doctors, Dr Nestor of Dr Nestor’s Medical Cosmetic Centre and Dr Liliana of Aesthetica Clinic are joining forces for an afternoon of qualified advice and information about this branch of medicine plus the opportunity to meet patients who have had the treatments and can show the results.

The doctors will be on hand to answer questions about the range of anti-ageing treatments offered by their clinics from facial refinement to body contouring, and advise on the most appropriate treatment for you, They will be joined by other Edinburgh based health and wellbeing partners in the beautiful surroundings of the G&V Hotel. Exercise is vital to build a healthy body and

mind and personal trainer John Bernard will be offering advice on incorporating fitness into a busy lifestyle and setting yourself up to feel more energised in the morning.

Teachers from Tribe Yoga will be talking through their top tips for mindfulness and relaxation, as well as answering any questions you might have about the many benefits of yoga.

The event promises to be an informative and inspiring session and with delicious refreshments and a goody bag worth over £70, it’s a great way to kick start 2017.

NEED TO KNOW When: Saturday 21st January 2-4pm Where: G&V Hotel, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Tickets: £10 including canapes and fizz from the G&V team, plus goody bag.

To book tickets visit www.ionmagazine.co.uk.

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TRIED AND TESTED The Cleopatra Cleanse at

Juice Warrior words Sarah Johnston

T

here’s a lot to be said for a juice cleanse.

Not only does it give your digestive system a well-deserved rest, it also boosts it with nutrients; the lack of fibre in raw juices means the vitamins and enzymes bypass the digestive system and quickly enter the bloodstream.

So, in a bid to right the wrongs of recent over-indulgence quickly and effectively, I opted for Juice Warrior’s new Cleopatra Cleanse which uses the best ingredients for healthier skin. Juice Warrior established Scotland’s first certified organic, raw, cold-pressed juice company and the twoday cleanse was delivered to my door from the new sleek shop in Waverley Arches, Edinburgh. Juicing with these guys couldn’t be simpler.

After a shot of Chlorella juice my breakfast was the super refreshing Pillarbox (watermelon, lime and mint leaves) followed by a delicious mid-morning ‘snack’ of PinaKale-Ada (cucumber, pineapple, coconut water, spinach and kale). Lunch consisted of Sweet Beet (carrot, apple, beetroot, lemon and ginger) followed by Evergreen (cucumber, apple, kale and ginger) a couple of hours later. Nothin’ Fancy (carrot and green

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apple) preceded my evening treat of Vanilla Dream (almond milk, filtered water, almonds, dates, vanilla and pink Himalayan salt).

The juices were delicious and, being so nutrient-dense, were also fairly substantial.

So much so that I didn’t even need to eat any light meals (salads and soups are allowed). They also curbed my sugar and caffeine cravings and, two days later, I felt less sluggish and more alert. My skin glowed and my hair shone. What a difference 48 little hours can make; I’d wholeheartedly recommend a juice cleanse from Juice Warrior to kickstart new healthy habits in 2017.

Juice Warrior, 15 East Market St, Edinburgh, EH8 8FS, www.juicewarrior.co.uk. A twoday Cleopatra Juice Cleanse costs £100.

The juices were delicious and nutrientdense, I didn’t even need to eat any light meals

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HEALTH

Food for thought

Just when you were used to a world of kombucha, cauliflower rice and coconuts, along comes 2017 with a bunch of new health trends. We investigate a few you’ll be on first name terms with before the year’s out.

Adaptogens

Plant protein powders

Make way for maca, ginseng, liquorice, rhodiola and moringa.

They’re all amazing superpowers known as adaptogens found in plants. Adaptogenic herbs have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine and now we’re all over them too. Why? The little wonders are able to “normalise” imbalances in the body, calm you down when you’re under stress, and boost your energy levels, all without being over-stimulating.

Get adding to soups, salads and smoothies now.

The rise of veganism will be more prominent than ever this year and plantbased protein powders are flying off the shelves.

Because the richest sources of protein are animal foods, vegetarian and vegan diets can fall short on the protein factor.

This is am issue because we need protein for our muscles and to build, heal and repair most of the other tissues in our body.

Sunflower, hemp and pea protein powders are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

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Omega 3 from algae All things ‘natural’, ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ are big news in 2017, so it’s no surprise the market for Omega 3 from algae is on the rise. That’s because it has all the benefits of the nutrient – helping the brain, joints and eyesight – without affecting the sustainability of our fish stock.

Watermelon water Put simply, watermelon water is taken from the juice of a watermelon.

Like coconut water, it contains natural electrolyte minerals, but it’s also especially high in potassium, which keeps blood pressure in check. It also contains lycopene, one of the most powerful and protective antioxidants found in plants. The only downside is it’s naturally high in sugar.

FEATURES

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SPONSORED FEATURE

THE FUTURE OF

TRAVEL

H

ands up if the last flight you booked was on your mobile, or stick them up if you clicked through to that Top Ten Beaches article your friend liked on Facebook.

Let’s just assume all hands are now in the air. Because this has been the year of SoMo (social and mobile retail) and apparently, the next big thing will be robotics and AI. Indeed the ‘future’ seems increasingly weighted to technology while real live people are shoved to the side lines. Sigh. But before we all get a bit down and ‘2016’ about how the world has changed, it’s worth logging off and taking a

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stroll down to your local high street. Because despite the chatter that this globalised world now conducts its business online, it seems we’re still rather partial to talking to and buying from real people, of having a buying ‘experience’ rather than simply clicking a button.

Take Stockbridge in Edinburgh. Voted one of the best places to live in the UK in 2016, it’s a buzzing, vibrant example of a high street. Of course, there are the usual suspects of Starbucks et al but most shops are independent, small businesses delivering

The Greek Island of Santorini is popular with travellers looking for a safe holiday

SPONSORED FEATURE

unique services or artisan goods. Back in 2001, Jimmy Martin opened his eponymous travel agency here, hardly expecting that the next 15 years would bring an onslaught from online travel, a banking crisis, a recession and even a cloud of ash. But here he still stands. Not just surviving but thriving; “Talking to a customer, understanding exactly what they want and then coming up with a tailor-made package just for them, that’s what it’s all about,” he explains. And the days when the internet was the cheapest place are over, “we are as competitive as the best

TRENDS FOR 2017

By Jimmy Martin Travel

ry Cruises

© Scenic Luxu

ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS FOR ALL AGES These are big right now. Its about cherry picking the places you’ve always wanted to visit, matching them with must-do experiences then putting it all together in a bespoke trip. Think walking in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.

MULTI-CENTRE These holidays have made a comeback as people are looking for more variety.

A typical muti-centre holiday includes three cities or two cities plus a beach or lake all in one trip. Something like Rome, Venice and Florence topped off with luxury stay at Lake Garda, Viareggio or somewhere on the Neapolitan Riviera.

Visit Halong Bay, Vietnam on a river cruise

IT SEEMS WE’RE STILL RATHER PARTIAL TO TALKING TO AND BUYING FROM REAL PEOPLE deals online but with the added benefit of face to face interaction ensuring we get it spot on.”

This bears out the latest findings that one of the major trends we’ll be seeing in the travel industry is the rise in highly personalised, tailor-made services and a preference to build trust through face-to-face rather than digital interaction. It’s food for thought when you consider the amount of time we spend trawling through various sites and reviews on our mobiles looking for the perfect holiday. Ironically it might just save you time and money to pop into Jimmy’s rather than clicking on TripAdvisor.

SAFE HOLIDAYS This is a massive one for 2017. Spain, Canary Islands, Portugal, Madeira, Cyprus, Croatia and the Greek Islands are at the top of the list and they’re selling out early as a result.

RIVER CRUISING It’s on the rise as it suits an older clientele. It’s a more intimate way to cruise with just 50 people and they don’t just cover Europe. We have a fabulous one on the Mekong visiting Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Jimmy Martin Travel, 94 Raeburn Pl, EH4 1HH, Tel: 0131 343 1800, Email: jimmy@jimmymartintravel.com, www.jimmymartintravel.com.

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TRAVEL

best for Romance

Brockloch Treehouse The Brockloch eco retreat setting fuses sympathetic, ecological accommodation with beautiful contemporary design. There’s a choice of the bothy – which sports staggering uninterrupted views– or the treehouse, our pick for the quirk factor. With skylights above the bath and double bed for stargazing, a log burning stove for maximum cosiness and all other amenities required for a romantic weekend, the Treehouse is a winner.

Brockloch Farm, Kirkpatrick Durham, Castle Douglas, DG7 3HU, Tel: 01556 650 249, www.brockloch.co.uk.

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great escapes THERE’S NOTHING GREY OR HUMDRUM ABOUT THESE LITTLE HIDEAWAYS. THEY ALL TOP THE BILL FOR CALENDAR-BRIGHTENING WEEKEND GETAWAYS, AND ALL ARE WITHIN A FEW HOURS’ DRIVE OF EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW.

TRAVEL

best for Relaxation

ecoYoga Centre A stress-reducing weekend that consists of a hot soak in a wild river bath overlooking a waterfall, an artisan sauna and a kick back in a geodesic dome hot tub. A sustainable, off-grid experience, there’ll still be time for a yoga class or two and a roam through the enchanting countryside once you’ve loosened up a bit. Accommodation includes en suite rooms and shared yurt.

Inverliever Lodge, Ford, Argyll, PA31 8RH, Tel: 01546 810259, www.ecoyoga.org.

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TRAVEL

best for

Photo opportunities

Black Shed Simple in style, it might be called a shed, but this most definitely is not. Based on a working croft, Black Shed sits on the side of a remote hill on Isle of Skye, above the gorgeous Loch Dunvegan. Outside, free range chickens and Hebridean sheep roam. Inside, a wood burner and underfloor heating come into their own on chilly days. So go in winter and have the island to yourself; you might even see the Northern Lights.

The Black Shed, 2 Skinidin, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8ZS, Tel: 01470 521214, www.blackshed.co.uk.

Interest piqued?

Try www.canopyandstars.co.uk, www.quirkyaccom.com or www.unique-cottages.co.uk for some more inspiration.

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FEATURES

The Cameron family completely stressing out about the sale of their house.

Your property. Our people. Sold.

Thinking of selling? Call us now for a free valuation. edinburghprimeproperty.com 0131 525 8600

eastlothianprimeproperty.com 01620 892000

aberdeenprimeproperty.com 01224 622622

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MUSIC

words David Pollock • photo Rehmat Rayatt at Wireless Festival

T

hat Drake has called his latest jaunt across the world’s stages the Boy Meets World tour, is appropriate. This was the year that the Canadian rapper, singer and producer increased his stranglehold on the worldwide pop market, in the face of stiff competition from fellow icons like Kanye West and Beyonce.

In the US and Canada his four albums since 2010’s Thank Me Later shot to the top of the charts, but it took until the most recent, this year’s Views, for him to manage the trick in the UK. It all really kicked off, of course, with Hotline Bling, one of the big summer hits of 2015; a song which took his work into a new place, an old-fashioned romantic R’n’B ballad which starts out as a homage to the excitement of a booty call with his girlfriend, and turns into something much messier and more complicated, as he becomes confused by her loss of interest in him. It was a track which attracted some flak for the portrayal of a controlling man, but as a song which examined messy, punctured machismo, it was compelling.

The album itself sees Drake (real name Aubrey Graham, a former actor who found fame in the television show Degrassi: The

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Next Generation) on the cover, sitting atop the CN Tower in his home city of Toronto, looking both like the king of the world and a dot on the landscape. Much like Starboy by his fellow Canadian star, The Weeknd, Views isn’t all necessarily a cheerful listen.

On one hand, there are upbeat pop tracks like One Dance, which demands “higher powers takin’ hold of me” even as he ponders “nobody makes it from my ends” and “I don’t wanna spend time fighting”, or the cathartically honest record of a couple being straight with each other in Too Good, with Rihanna playing the role of the partner. On the other hand, there’s the gangster-chic darkness of the brooding Pop Style and the minimal, macho player anthem Controlla.

He isn’t a guy who seems notable for his modesty, his sensitivity or his cheerfulness, despite being a multimillionaire pop star – “this year for Christmas, I just want apologies”, he moans at one point. But there’s little doubt Drake is one of the key driving forces in pop music today, it’s hard to take your eyes or ears off him. How his latest work translates to an arena stage designed to give the audience a couple of bouncing nights out remains to be seen.

Drake plays the Hydro, Glasgow, on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 January. The album Views is out now. www.drakeofficial.com.

MUSIC

THERE’S LITTLE DOUBT DRAKE IS ONE OF THE KEY DRIVING FORCES IN POP MUSIC TODAY — IT’S HARD TO TAKE YOUR EYES OR EARS OFF HIM

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CULTURE

The Hot Ticket An insight into some of the hottest tickets onthe culture scene this month at both ends of the M8.

MANIPULATE FESTIVAL This tenth year of the annual puppet animation festival brings more than 20 new and returning pieces for performance and film.

Based at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, work is also showing in Aberdeen, Bristol and Norwich. Various venues, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

27 JAN 05 FEB

OUR JANUARY NIGHTLIFE SELECTIONS

Touchme GaelMaleux

TURNER IN JANUARY For more than a hundred years, JMW Turner’s watercolours, as bequested by Henry Vaughan, have retained their vibrancy by only going on show throughout the month of January.

Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh.

1-31 JAN

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK Joan Lindsay’s classic Australian horror mystery novel about three girls who vanished on a school trip in 1900, never to be seen again, comes to the Lyceum stage. Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.

13-28 JAN

CELTIC CONNECTIONS The Celtic musical diaspora is celebrated once more with arguably the UK’s biggest winter musical festival, featuring Laura Marling with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Olivia Newton John, Fairport Convention, Anna Meredith and Karine Polwart’s beautiful theatre show Wind Resistance. Various venues, Glasgow.

Aaron Lee Tasjan © Curtis Wayne Millard

19 JAN 05 FEB

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THE GUESTLIST

BLACK SABBATH Birmingham metal icons Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler are back to rock out for what they tell us will be the final time. Hydro, Glasgow.

TUE 24 JAN

ANIMAL FARM 14 Jan @ Art School, Glasgow Setaoc Mass (SK11, Figure) makes his Scottish debut alongside residents Quail and Turtle.

HEADSTRONG 26 Jan @ Sub Club, Glasgow Overmono (aka respected producing brothers Truss and Tessela) join Clouds and Animal Farm.

FRACTAL CLUB 28 Jan @ Liquid Room, Edinburgh Nick Hoppner (Berlin’s Berghain, Ostgut Ton) joins E.Wan and Chris G.

A MAG IC A L NEW Y E A R T R E AT !

FEATURES

NEIL ECKERSLEY presents

A whole new adventure for the Alice in us all

�AN INSPIRATIoNAL MuSICAL� New York Times

starring

WENDI PETERS

DAVE WILLETTS

as Queen of Hearts

as White Rabbit

and guest starring West End & Broadway leading lady

KERRY ELLIS as Alice

20 - 28 jAN 2017 0844 871 3014*^

www.wonderlandthemusical.com * Subject to booking / transaction fees.

^Calls cost up to 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge.

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CULTURE

Book Club

NEW READS FOR JANUARY LITTLE DEATHS

by Emma Flint A tale of murder, sex and obsession; inspired by a true crime story. It tells the tale of Ruth Malone, a recently divorced cocktail hostess who wakes to discover her children are missing, A dark and stylish thriller.

THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS

by Ruth Hogan This is a heart-warming story; exploring the promises we make and break while losing and finding ourselves, and the objects that hold magic and meaning in our lives.

SWIMMING LESSONS

by Claire Fuller Gil Coleman looked down from his window and saw his dead wife standing on the pavement below, Ingrid had been missing, presumed drowned for 12 years. A dark tale of a family as they begin to confront the mystery of their Mother.

THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD

by JK Rowling Brand new Edition of the collection of five enchanting fairy tales from the Wizarding world. Written for both adults and children, this will delight any Harry Potter fan.

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short with Lotte Wakeham

She’s the theatre director behind Wonderland,the new musical take on the magical story of Alice in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll.

How good is Wonderland? I think audiences will fall in love with the characters and songs. Our composer, Frank Wildhorn, started out in pop; he’s written hits for Whitney Houston and others and he's taken that talent and applied it to the wacky world of Lewis Carroll.

How did you get into directing? When I was 16 the teacher who was supposed to be directing the school play got a promotion, which meant he was too busy to do the play.

My drama teacher asked me if I wanted to have a go at directing it - which I did! I then went to university and carried on directing while I was there. I love having an idea for a show, assembling a great design team and a cast, then going into rehearsals and creating a piece of theatre.

Best production you’ve seen? Hamilton by LinManuel Miranda, on Broadway. It's a show about the founding fathers of America, told through hip-hop and rap with a very diverse cast. The staging is stunning and the ambition of the writing is incredible. It's sort of exhausting to watch; the pace never lets up and you care so much about the characters.

Wonderland runs from 20 to 28 Jan at the Edinburgh Playhouse, visit www.wonderlandthemusical.com for info and tickets.

FEATURES

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CULTURE

T

he Fruitmarket Gallery on Edinburgh’s Market Street has been given the goahead to expand into the neighbouring Electric Circus building, with construction expected to start in 2019. We caught up with Fiona Bradley, director of the Fruitmarket, to find out what’s happening now and next for the iconic gallery…

What have you got coming up over the next couple of months? Our exhibition of two South African artists, William Kentridge and

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR

Fruitmarket

MUSEUM’S MULTI-MILLION MAKEOVER Having recently announced its closure for a £60m refurbishment until 2020, The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has revealed the first artist’s impressions of the revamped building, as seen here. The bigger, better-designed exhibition space will mean that 90 per cent - as opposed to a previous 20 per cent - of the Collection’s 9,000 objects amassed by Sir William will be on display.

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Vivienne Koorland, runs until 19 February.

Then we are presenting British artist Mark Wallinger’s first exhibition in Scotland.

Why is the Fruitmarket Gallery so special?

We programme a broad range of free events – school and youth workshops inspired by the exhibitions, and Literary Littles, a regular group for children and families run by the bookshop. There’s a monthly book group that meets in the café. And we host Markets in between exhibitions, allowing local designers and makers to showcase their work.

What would more space enable the gallery to do? We work the space we have incredibly hard. The bookshop is bursting at the seams, and the café works miracles from the tiniest kitchen imaginable. We have no education space, so all workshops and events happen in the exhibitions – often very good fun, but challenging too. More space would enable us to show more art to people, with bigger galleries and some brand new spaces, such as a project room and library.

Best cake in the Fruitmarket cafe? There are so many great cakes produced by Milk’s team but I am very partial to a breakfast muffin - the café now opens at 10am for breakfast every day.

Award-Winning Chinese Restaurant

59 Mitchell Street, Glasgow, G1 3LN T: 0141 248 2240 | E: enquiries@lycheeoriental.co.uk Twitter: @LycheeOriental | Facebook: Lychee Oriental www.lycheeoriental.co.uk

Photography • Aerial • Video

#SCENEIN30

ION JANUARY.indd 1

14/12/2016 16:32

Enjoy free re-admission for a year by asking us to treat your ticket purchase as a donation.

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i-on Food

ADDRESSING THE HAGGIS Haggis, neeps ‘n’ tatties and a dram of whisky… it’s all taken care of in this easy to follow recipe by Jacqueline O’Donnell of The Sisters restaurant (www.thesisters.co.uk). Laddies and lassies will love her modern take on the traditional Burns supper. Visit www.ionmagazine.co.uk/burnsnight for the full recipe and more Burns night inspiration.

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words Emily Murray • main photo Susie Lowe

DINING OUT @ DISHOOM

FOOD AND DRINK

D

ishoom Edinburgh’s food is excellent. At least, I assume it is. As a regular London visitor I’ve been a huge fan of Dishoom since they opened their first eatery, inspired by the old Irani cafes of Bombay, in 2010 (there are now five Dishooms; Edinburgh’s restaurant is the first outside London). On various visits to the Big Smoke I devoured their melt-in-the-mouth Kejriwal (fried eggs on chilli cheese toast) for breakfast, the paneer and mango salad for lunch and lamb boti kabab for dinner, washed down with salted lassis and Bollybellinis.

For me, the appeal of Dishoom lies as much in the atmosphere as the food, and this iteration of the concept in Scotland’s capital doesn’t disappoint. Here, as in the London restaurants, the interior authentically (I’m told) recreates the ambience of those Irani cafes, down to the ceiling fans, carefully distressed walls, and even a set of rules printed on the wall, including, “No hapless Juggling of three Women” and “No reserving space with reading material”.

Such was my enthusiasm, I kicked off my Edinburgh meal with not one but two Bollybellinis. These were followed by a Chaijito and, if I remember rightly, a Chillitini or two. I do have vague recollections of some heavenly

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masala prawns and a delicious chicken curry passing my lips, but if I’m honest the night is rather fuzzy.

But I blame Dishoom. Not only for making some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had the pleasure to drink and serving them to me with a smile and witty banter, but also for The Permit Room basement bar, where I imbibed in style until the early hours. I sincerely suggest you do the same. Just make sure you eat something first – I hear the masala prawns are perfection.

3a St Andrew Sq, EH2 2BD, Tel: 01312 026 406, www.dishoom.com/edinburgh.

Fishers in Leith 1 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW 0131 554 5666

Fishers in the city 58 Thistle Street Edinburgh EH2 1EN 0131 225 5109

Edinburgh’s finest casual dining www.fishersbistros.co.uk

THE MAGNUM lunch OFFER FOR JanUARY and FebRUARY 2 Courses - £10.95 3 Courses - £12.95

One Albany Street, Edinburgh, 0131 557 4366 www.themagnumrestaurant.co.uk

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FOOD AND DRINK

LUNCH @ THE SPANISH BUTCHER words Susie Cormack Bruce

I

ts exterior is everything you’d expect from an eatery named The Spanish Butcher: dark and handsome with just a touch of machoism. The smoked-out glass and metal signage cuts a dash but, inside, there is some serious culinary substance to The Spanish Butcher’s style. Opening the heavyweight curtain that separates the restaurant and bar from the outside world, I felt like Dorothy when Toto pulled back the drapes to reveal the Wizard of Oz. Luckily the sight that awaited me was far more impressive: polished concrete and bare brick walls softened with honey wood tones, feature lighting and a liberal helping of greenery. The third venture from Louise and James Rusk, the couple behind the award-winning The Butchershop Bar & Grill and Hutcheson’s, The Spanish Butcher is one good lookin’ guy.

We opted for the Fixed Price lunch (two courses, £19, three for £25). I started with

I FELT LIKE DOROTHY WHEN TOTO PULLED BACK THE DRAPES

the fried courgette flower stuffed with salt cod; my hubby chose the confit pork belly stew with chorizo, morcilla and sourdough bread. My crispy parcel yielded a wonderfully sumptuous and surprisingly rich fish filling that was beautifully undercut by the accompanying beetroot salad. My husband’s starter looked a little on the small side but the richness and concentration of flavours would have been overwhelming in a larger helping.

Next up for me, along with a deliciously cold glass of white Rioja, was the ‘Secreto Iberico’ bellota pork with truffle Manchego fries and sautéed kale. For those not familiar with ‘Secreto Iberico’, it’s a cut of meat from between the shoulder blade and the loin of the prized Iberian pig and the juiciest piece of pork you’re ever likely to try. My husband’s seared hake, accompanied by a cauliflower croquette, in a shallow bath of girolles, broad beans and ham, was piscine perfection; I’m determined to hook that hake on my next visit. Hasta la vista, butcher.

80 Miller St, G1 1DT, Tel: 0141 406 9880.

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FOOD AND DRINK

HEALTHY HEDONISM If you’re off the booze (or even if you’re not), we’ve got some good news: Bon Accord, the re-launched Edinburgh-based soft drinks company first founded in 1909, has added a ginger beer to its range. The new, guilt-free tipple will be available to buy from February; like the brand’s cloudy lemonade and rhubarb drinks, it’s sweetened naturally with coconut nectar, which has half the Glycemic Index of white sugar and is the world’s most sustainable sweetener. www.bonaccordsoftdrinks.com.

RACLETIQUETTE Did you know that raclette derives from the French word racler, meaning "to scrape"? Us neither, but I’m sure we can all agree that melty cheese, charcuterie and wine make for quite the soiree, which derives from the French word… never mind.

It’s the sociable, diet-killing dining style that’ll be familiar to any ski lovers and, while it’s fun to eat at home, it’s extra fun to eat out and there are a few great options popping up. Le Di’Vin’s affair (just featured in The Sunday Times top 25 wine bars in the UK) offers raclette cheese, salad, cured meat and potatoes for £20 per guest (best for at least four people). Add that to a killer wine list and you’re onto a winner.

Over in the west, the tres chic et rustique Le Chalet Beaumartin is also flying the cheesy flag. They offer a raclette cheese board from Savoie in the French Alps with potatoes at £10.50 a head.

Then add on some charcuterie at £14 for two. It’s BYOB so grab yourself a ‘big’ cabernet sauvignon and après ski your heart out.

Le Di-Vin, 9 Randolph Pl, Edinburgh. www.ledivin.co.uk.

Le Chalet Beaumartin, 518 Great Western Rd, Glasgow. www.lechaletbeaumartin.co.uk.

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The Dome

Exquisitely decorated, The Green Room can accommodate up to 20 guests and provide luxurious surroundings for Private Lunches, Dinners, Wedding Meals and Civil Partnership Celebrations.

For more information or to book please contact info@thedome.events

14 GEORGE STREET EDINBURGH EH2 2PF TELEPHONE 0131 624 8624 WWW.THEDOMEEDINBURGH.COM

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FOOD AND DRINK

LUNCH @ SAIKO KITCHEN words Rebecca McCosh • photo Susie Lowe

I was initially dubious about lunch at Saiko Kitchen. It’s pronounced ‘psycho’ you see, and the visuals this conjured up did anything but give me an appetite. In fact, ‘saiko’ actually translates as ‘best’ in Japanese, and the restaurant’s Facebook reviews seem to live up to its name.

My dining partner started with the sticky Hoisin chicken rice paper rolls stuffed with vegetables, vermicelli noodles, coriander and chillies, £6.95, which were fresh, filling and full of flavour. I opted for the king prawn pad Thai, £7.95; a street food classic of soft noodles, crunchy nuts and beansprouts, which comes with a tiny pot of chilli flakes on the side if you want to up the spice factor.

We paired our mains with a couple of taster plates - a handful of chicken gyozas; delicate little dumplings with a soy dip, £4.95, and Thai fishcakes which were zinging with lime zest, £4.95. The meal was rounded off with a

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refreshingly tart raspberry and mango ripple sorbet, £2.50, and a fortune cookie which told me to ‘Keep it simple. The more you say, the less people remember’. Wise words. With this in mind, to sum up my visit to Saiko Kitchen, the name may have got lost in translation but the flavours certainly didn’t.

15 Roseneath St, EH9 1JH, Tel: 0131 281 5613, www.saikokitchen.co.uk.

INGREDIENTS 50ml Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin 25ml Amaretto 25ml cranberry juice - add more according to taste 2 tsp lime juice Orange peel to garnish

METHOD Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice cubes. Pour Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin, the amaretto, cranberry and lime juice over ice into the shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Pour into the glass. Create a 5cm long strip of orange with the orange peeler, twist around a straw and drop into the glass.

EXCLUSIVE I-ON READER OFFER CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON TEA, ÂŁ35

Palm Court is an Edinburgh institution that’s as glittering as its glass dome and Venetian chandelier. The place to sample our awardwinning Afternoon Tea and a wide selection of loose leaf teas, coffee and pastries. Sip vintage champagne and try to spot the Calton Hill follies hidden on the wallpaper. A harpist provides the perfect accompaniment.

Add a little sparkle to your January with our Midweek Treat Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a glass of Ruinart Champagne with our compliments when you enjoy Afternoon Tea at Palm Court.

T O B O O K : Quote i-on and email: palmcourt. balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or Tel: 0131 556 2414. Afternoon Tea at Palm Court is served from Noon until 5pm daily. For further details, visit www.roccofortehotels.com/thebalmoral-hotel.

T E R M S A N D C O N D I T I O N S : Offer valid Monday to Thursday from Monday 2nd January to Tuesday 31st January 2017. Offer is subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer.

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The Balmoral | 0131 556 2414 | palmcourt.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com | roccofortehotels.com

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FEATURES

BIT OF A BLETHER WITH…

in organic dragonfruit pulp, which we blend with bananas and a milk of your choice and top with nuts, seeds, fresh fruit and cacao nibs.

Amanda Brown, founder of raw food café Pumpkin Brown in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, is obsessed with Scottish tap water and Ralph Lauren candles

Home is… The New Town with husband, Craig, and my two dogs, Max and Darcey. We have a cobbled street at the front of the house and there’s lots of hustle and bustle. Our back garden is quite a suntrap; we even have a palm tree.

Favourite local shop? Jeffreys Interiors in Stockbridge. I just sit on the sofa, enjoy the Ralph Lauren candles they always burn, and pretend I live there.

Earliest memory? Staying over at my granny’s in East Calder. When a storm lashed against the windows we would snuggle under the covers and say “oh, listen to that rain!”

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Best restaurants? Craig and I have eaten a plant-based diet for almost a year now and the Strathearn at Gleneagles is great as they cater for any diet. Their smaller restaurant Deseo has a full vegan menu now too.

Pumpkin Brown’s most popular dish?

Our Dragonfruit Acai bowl. It’s so bright and tastes amazing. We buy

When you’re abroad, what do you miss most about Scotland?

The water! We have the best tap water; so fresh and cold.

Best spot for a dog walk?

I love Cramond or sometimes I’ll take a drive to Gullane. No matter the weather they have sunshine down there.

Where do you see yourself in a year?

Exactly where I am now, still playing house and shopping in this amazing city, drinking water straight from the tap.

For more info on Pumpkin Brown visit www.pumpkinbrown.com.

FEATURES

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